Origin

Origin is a fascinating abstract strategy game that captures the essence of human expansion across the globe. The game's core mechanic revolves around placing and moving pieces representing tribes, each with varying characteristics like color, height, and width. These characteristics represent different aspects of the tribe's development, adding a layer of strategic depth to the placement and movement decisions. The game feels reminiscent of Takenoko with its focus on objectives and resource management, but Origin has a distinct flavor thanks to its unique piece placement rules and card system.

The game's components are a highlight, especially the beautiful and substantial wooden pieces that feel weighty and high-quality. The game's art style, while perhaps not flashy, adds a touch of realism to the theme. I particularly appreciate the focus on diversity and the subtle way the game represents different stages of human development. The strategic decisions players face are both engaging and challenging, requiring careful consideration of piece placement, card acquisition, and the ever-evolving game state.

While I found the core gameplay engaging, I agree with some reviewers that the permanent powers can feel unbalanced at times. In my first game, I benefited from a couple of particularly strong powers that made my victory a bit less satisfying. However, this is a common issue with games that feature card-driven powers, and it can be mitigated through careful design and balancing. Origin is a game that demands a strategic approach, but the rules are simple enough to pick up quickly. The game's pacing is just right, and the length of the games allows for multiple rounds without feeling overly long or tedious. It also works well as a filler game and can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

Overall, Origin is a standout game that combines clever mechanics with a fascinating theme. It's a game that is both challenging and rewarding, and the quality of the components only adds to the experience. While the game may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional abstract games, I believe it offers a fresh and engaging experience for fans of strategic board games.